Final Poster

Model Images

I chose to get my model 3d printed so that I could show the hexagonal pattern in detail. I felt the hexagon composition was an important part of the structure and to get it laser cut, I would have lost this detail, so for this reason I had my model 3d printed

The Dali Pavilion

The Site

The Dali Pavilion is a large sculptural form that will occupy the block of land that forms the corner of Crown St and Cathedral St. Inspired by the legendary artist, Salvador Dali, it is a fitting structure to construct on the site, as that particular part of Sydney is already rich in art and culture. The hollow shape allows for it to be an aesthetically beautiful and unique sculpture, while providing a practical use as a central meeting place for the opposing park. Surrounded by terrace houses and café’s, this structure will provide an extravagant shape that will complement the quirkiness of the surrounding facilities.

The Development

The Form

Inspired by Salvador Dali, and in particular his artwork ‘The Persistence of Memory’, I had envisioned a structure that folded in on itself creating a melting effect, much like the clocks in his artwork. By creating a straight tower-like shape that folds over and snakes into a curve, the structure is given the appearance of a tower that has been stretched like rubber.

To compliment this unique shape, I have embedded a hexagonal pattern into the structure. Rather than having a solid shape with a few holes in it, this structure is made entirely of over 100 hollow hexagons which piece together in a very precise way to create the overall form. The advantage of doing this, apart from its aesthetic advantages, is that it allows people to see through the entire structure. People who come to the Crown St/ Cathedral St intersection will be able to look through the architecture and onto the domain and cityscape behind it. It also allows for those inside the structure to have an unobstructed 360 degree view around them. From the top level of the pavilion those inside the structure would be able to see onto the domain, the city, and over the rooftops of the houses onto Oxford St.

The Opportunity

The way the pavilion snakes around on itself creates a circular area which can be used for a small café or possibly a playground. No matter what is put in this area, the way the pavilion wraps around it, it creates a sense of enclosure and connectivity with the structure while still maintaining an open feel that draws the citizens towards The Domain.

12 Iterations

Final Grasshopper

My final Grasshopper file is based on a line that forms the path for a loft, which then has a shape morphed onto it to create the texture.

The path is made by using graph-mappers and the series nodes to create a curve that can be modified in the X, Y and Z direction. There is also a vertical line which ensures that there is a vertical part of the structure (which will act as the main functional part of the structure). By setting planes to act along this newly created line, I have created a series of circles that form the basic shape of the loft. This loft is then divided up and the surface texture is applied which breaks each of these loft-divisions up into individual hexagons.

Site Change

After visiting 'The Toaster' I have realised that the shape i am trying to achieve will not work well with the site. For this reason i have decided to change my site to the Crown St / Cathedral St Corner. Due to the shape and size of this site i feel that it will work much better with the design of my structure

Grasshopper Development

After a discussion with Jeremy on Thursday I was further able to refine my grasshopper algorithm, and give my self more creative control over the texture of the structure.

Additional test render, playing with different settings and camera views